Fulham FC opens elite player development centre at Globe Academy

The centre at Globe Academy in Harper Road will hold training sessions for male players from primary age to young teenagers from across Southwark and aims to nurture and develop players with outstanding potential to be future Fulham Football Club first team regulars.

In addition, the partnership includes regular specialist coaching for ARK Globe Academy pupils and educational visits to the football club.

This summer the academy gained a new 3G artificial football pitch funded by Sport England through its National Lottery-backed Primary School Facilities Fund.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for students at ARK Globe Academy and for all young talented footballers in Southwark," said Matt Jones, principal of the school for ages 3-18.

"Huw Jennings has helped to develop some of the country's leading players including Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"I hope that our partnership with Fulham Football Club will ensure we unearth, in Southwark, the next generation of top professional footballers."

Huw Jennings, academy director of Fulham FC said: "I am absolutely delighted to be opening this great facility at ARK Globe Academy.

"It provides much needed space for youngsters to benefit from. I am looking forward to a healthy relationship with the academy as I know there are a lot of talented youngsters in this area of London."